Lieberman's Refusal to Back Minority Government Could End Coalition Hopes

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, has declared he will not support, and will actively vote against, a minority government, a move that has caused significant upheaval within the "change bloc" just two weeks before elections. Political commentator Amit Segal analyzed the profound political implications of Lieberman's statement on Channel 12 News.

Segal explained that Lieberman's declaration, "If you remember what Lieberman said at the start of the broadcast, this is the mother of all bombs on Gadi Eisenkot's plan," refers to a strategic plan to form a government with 58 mandates or fewer, relying on abstentions from Arab parties or possibly some Haredi factions.

Segal suggested Lieberman's motivation stems from seeing problematic poll numbers and a need to address right-wing voters' concerns about potentially empowering parties like Ra'am and the Joint List. "Every statement made before elections by politicians is said from one perspective, they see a poll, they see a problematic number, and they must fix it or plug the hole," Segal stated.

Highlighting the severity of Lieberman's stance, Segal noted, "Lieberman didn't just say 'we won't support such a government,' but went all the way and said 'we will vote against.'" He added, "If Lieberman stands by his word, then this thing won't exist even after the elections." Senior figures in the change bloc are reportedly frustrated, questioning if Lieberman is trying to increase his leverage for post-election negotiations, potentially demanding the premiership.

Segal also pointed out a shift in Lieberman's narrative. Previously, Lieberman projected confidence in forming a government with 63-64 mandates. Now, acknowledging the unlikelihood based on current polls, he is telling voters, "Trust me, I will bring Likud voters." Segal characterized this as a shift from "Plan B" to "Plan C."